Airport InsecurityAh for the choo-choos, with their big comfortable seats and boarding not so far from the ticket counter: no seat belts and confinement, no turbulence  and until lately just cursory searches.

April 29

We Old Timers Were Made Well to Last LongHey, they knew how to make cars in 49.

May 6

Lighthouses are Fishermens Friends I like to think I have learned much about the ways of hoodwinking a creature with fins to take a bait and the wheres to find that fish.

May 13

Multiculturalism: The Latest BuzzTo hear the buzz, one would have thought that George W. Bush announced Saddam Hussein would be his running mate next fall.

May 20

Weve Made the Patapsco an Ugly Duckling of a RiverBut Joe Stewart and I love it.

May 27

Grumpy and Bills Bargain AdventuresSome things are still free in America, with others for a small fee in America.

June 3

Its Not Only about Oil, But Also about How Were Wasting ItWe are as much of an enemy of ourselves as are Iraqi terrorists today or that nation itself before the invasion.

June 10

Seasoned with PCBs: Toxic Chemicals Put Bay Catches on the Warning ListThe public has a right to know, before they make their choices.

June 17

Marooned with No LandmarksI fear Annapolis Towne Center at Parole will become just a mall-promenade complex of the type youll find in any city across the nation. Nothing that says this is Annapolis, or to me, youre almost home.

June 24

Farewell Bill SchmickCredibility, integrity and caring were bywords of the publisher of the Baltimore Sunpaper.

July 1

Bug Off!Ive been among the fortunate few who dont have a big problem with mosquitoes. But Im not anxious to take a chance with West Nile Virus.

July 8

Big Demand for a Little FishOf late, weve been overfishing menhaden. Really not we; rather, the commercial fleet out of Reedville, Virginia.

July 15
A Weak Link in the Bays Food ChainI wouldnt be surprised if at some time or other, menhaden has ended up in the stomachs of just about any finfish from white perch up.

July 22

Conventional Wisdom: Why Bother?We can only hope there will be more excitement when the GOP faithful gather, something like George W. dumping Dick Cheney in favor of Sen. John McCain to give his campaign a much needed boost.

July 29

Car Culture Goes to the Dogs  Junkyard, DogsWill auto junkyards and their dogs take over the nation

August 5

The New Math of Bay Restoration Doesnt Add UpI am bewildered by the difference between what I see and what those who should know tell me.

August 12

Of Squirrels, Mice and MeThe last time I saw a squirrel working on a nest in midsummer was back in the 1970s, when winter was severe enough that big portions of the Bay were frozen over solid.

August 19

This Old Man Caught up with Boyhood DreamsVivid reflection flavors what is left of life.

August 26
I Can Bear-ly Contain MyselfBears are bigger than deer, nutria or mute swans. Are we willing to let them get out of hand at the risk of then trying to play catch-up?

September 2

Before School, Life Is SweetOnce school starts, life will be different: Therell be schedules to meet, more formal discipline, less self-rule and rising early. Forever after, it will get increasingly complex.

September 9

Catching the BasseWe call it a fishing party, for theres nothing you need do but catch.

September 16

When Species CollideAirstrikes by waterfowl can be as frightening as it gets, but surface strikes with a landlocked wildlife species are no picnic.

September 23

The Saga of Compass Pointe Golf CourseSince you and I are expected to be caddies lugging around golf bags filled with, not clubs but greenbacks, lets hope management, politicians, bureaucrats and golfers are big tippers.

September 30

Wearing My Other HatWith six kids, 11 grandkids and 1 great-grandchild, Ive plenty to do as curator of the Burton Family Museum.

October 7

In Memory of Cash MoneyMany readers wont believe this, but once upon a time, money was saved before it was spent.

October 14Meet Me in St. Louie, Reader

Baseball might be called a gentlemens game of strategy  if those who hit and catch would only spit and scratch themselves in private places a bit less.

October 28

Autumnal Fields Suit Me FineThis is a time of change on the east lawn. I never know what Ill see next.

November 4

Tilting at WindmillsWe want alternative energy  as long as it isnt in our back yard.

November 11

What Everyone Wants to Know About Chesapeake Bay  And Isnt Afraid to AskIf toes are stepped on, so be it. If heads roll, let there be more Ichabod Cranes.

November 18

Changing Seasons in the Life of a HunterDeer season in Maryland starts once again on the traditional Saturday after Thanksgiving.

November 24

The Sun Vs. The GovIt isnt easy to suffer in silence, so when the opportunity arises for paybacks, dont let the bus go by.

December 2

Shopping for the Women in My LifeFathers, grandfathers and Santa are the heroes of Christmas, giving the toys that produce the shouts of glee.

December 9

Recall Your Christmas Past to Sweeten Your Christmas PresentWith all the freebies in Santas sack stamped with Made in the North Pole, for one big day wed not be reminded that everything these days is made in China.

December 16

In Bay Restoration, What Comes First?The whole egg we know as Chesapeake Bay could end up like Humpty Dumpty.